Buhari had, in July, in an article published in Washington Post, while on a state visit to the United States, said appointing ministers was an important decision that “cannot and should not be rushed.” In the article entitled, “Nigeria committed to good governance and fighting terror,” Buhari said it was pertinent for him to take his time to select the right persons to work with him in order for him to put in rules of conduct and good governance. He noted that it would not have been prudent nor serve the interest of sound government to have appointed ministers immediately after he was sworn in.
Speaking in Aburi, Ghana, at a joint press conference with President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, as part of programmes lined up for his one-day official visit to that country, according to the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari said: “After I was sworn-in, I said I will have my cabinet in September. I expect that Nigerians should ask me questions after the September 30, if I do not do so.”
The president also told reporters that the Nigerian military, in close collaboration with the Multi-National Joint Task Force, has recorded remarkable progress in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed office as President.
Buhari said: “The first thing I did after I came into office, was to reorganise the military and clear orders were given to them in terms of retraining, re-equipping and redeployment of troops.
“In the North East, the military is gaining ground and Boko Haram has been limited to the Sambisa forest. Internally Displaced Persons are gradually moving back home and they are being reintegrated into their respective communities.”
On the declaration of assets, Buhari affirmed that it was a constitutional requirement that all public office holders in Nigeria should declare their assets before and after their term in office.
The president stated: “I recall that in 1975, when the late Murtala Muhammed became the Head of State, we were lined up – governors, ministers, members of the Supreme Military Council – and officials of Ministry of Justice were brought and every individual was made to declare his assets.
“All Heads of State and government, governors, ministers, permanent secretaries have to declare their assets because it is a constitutional requirement.
“I have declared my assets four times. When I was governor in 1975, I declared. After being Minister of Petroleum and as a member of Supreme Military Council, I declared. When I was Head of State and now as a President, I have also declared.”
Earlier, President Mahama and President Buhari had fruitful discussions on how to enhance bilateral relations and improve regional security.
The Ghanaian president said Nigeria and Ghana would soon begin the process of reviving their joint commission for cooperation.
He revealed that both leaders also agreed to encourage closer cooperation between the intelligence and anti-graft agencies of both countries, while thanking President Buhari for his visit.
Mahama assured Buhari of Ghana’s support and cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
Daily Sun
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